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On the Level with Neville: Prom flowers . . . like, whatever!
Prom flowers . . . like, whatever! |
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Written by Neville MacKay
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Like, have you ever listened to some people that are, like, under the age of, like, 20? I try not to, but I did have the opportunity to recently and I actually counted the number of times she said “like.” It was 17 a just a few minutes. (I, like, gagged a little.) Anyway, I really wanted to have a chat with her about trends, but after all that, I decided to watch MuchMusic, read a teen magazine (What an experience THAT was!) and check things with some florist friends of mine.
I actually did go to my prom many years ago, and although I remember it as a bit of a “confusing” time for me (don’t ask!) it was an exciting time as well. Girls have to have new dresses, shoes, polish and paint; the boys get all dressed up and put on Dad’s Aqua Velva and pretend to shave those few little whiskers. Times have changed to a big degree, but the excitement is still there, and now I believe there is more pressure to look “fantabulous” (another new word I learned!) than there ever was when I was that age.
Prom and grad season is a great time for us as florists! Ha! Really, it is! I know there will be many “pains” coming in (usually in packs of three to five) all chewing gum and talking at the same time, desperately trying to match perfectly their bubble gum chiffon. Remember that these folks will one day get married, have babies, or buy a home (not necessarily in that order!) and will need flowers. I look at these young folks as an investment, gritting my teeth with a smile sometimes to get through it all. I was talking to Robin Young at Jean’s Flowers in Truro, N.S., and she said that we have to remember they think the whole universe revolves around getting the perfect dress, hair, polish, and ultimately, flowers, so they think that florists also should be totally engrossed in finding the perfect match.
As florists, we really should be up on all the newest trends out there, whether it’s colour, style or accessories. I find that it doesn’t hurt even to look at magazines (or the Canadian standard...the Sears catalogue!) to see the newest looks. Our wholesalers are great resources for new ideas, so ask them what they are getting in that is different and new. Oh, and, of course, it goes without saying, that there are always great ideas in this magazine!
Here’s the scoop: bling equals cha-ching! (Liberace had it all figured out even then!) Glitter and glitz is everywhere now and people of all ages, especially the younger ones (and the really old ladies!), are embracing this trend. Also, the words “corsage and boutonniere” are a little dated to some people, as this reminds them of their parents. I sometimes talk of “body flowers” to the younger crowd, and that seems more up with the times. Whatever you call them, people are still wearing flowers and look to us for advice and guidance.
For many florists, getting enough flowers to make custom corsages for everyone is totally out of the question. Robin told me that in her shop they offer colour matches using a mixture of flowers and shades. For example, a lavender dress could have a corsage made from a mixture of delphinium, statice and wax flower, glued with greenery. Robin tells me that this has worked well and they’ve had few troubles.
Mike Robinson from Kelly’s Flowers in Summerside, P.E.I., tells me that he is finding a trend there towards nosegays and little tussie mussies. He says that when a lady has one of these, she is the talk of the night (in a good way!) and that this is also a great alternative to a wrist corsage. Cymbidium orchids are hot too. Both Mike and I agree that so long as there is a bit of a bling, you are good to go! I find that this trend of bling doesn’t just apply to the ladies, but the men like it, too. Now, a little goes a long way on a boutonniere, so be careful not to scare him with too many jewels! (Now if it is for me...bring it on, the more the better!)
There are still traditional people out there that love the roses and baby’s breath full meal deal, so don’t think you’re out of touch by offering this look. Often we see even the trendiest people turn traditional for their own special event, so have a good dialogue with your client. Even if you have to fake it, try to look interested!
Do what you know and what you think is best, listen to what the kiddies are looking for, and roll with the times. We need to guide and teach these hormone-charged, credit-card-carrying offspring of the X, Y, or Z generation (who knows anymore?).
So, like, check out the latest rage, modify it to suit, like, your needs. Know that this is, like, a good time to gain the confidence of the younger generation! Build a bridge over that gap. Big kiss to all, and have, like, an awesome day!
Neville owns and operates My Mother’s Bloomers in Halifax and lives close to Peggy’s Cove with his partner, David, three cats and an overgrown garden. For more info on Neville or to book him for a show or talk, check out www.mymothersbloomers.com .
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